‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ star nominated for Best Actress at Oscars, leading Indigenous representation

Photo of Lily Gladstone in Killers of the Flower Moon. She is sitting in a chair near a window. Her hair is pulled back and she has a blanket wrapped around her arms.
Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon” (Photo from AppleTV+)

The film “Killers of the Flower Moon” received 10 nominations, including a nod for Best Picture, during the announcement of the Academy Award nominees in late January. Screenwriter Eric Roth and Director Martin Scorsese adapted their screenplay from David Grann’s nonfiction book by the same name, published in 2017. The narrative unfolds in 1920s Oklahoma, centering on a string of murders targeting Osage Tribal members in the wake of oil discovery on tribal lands.

Scorsese received a nomination for Best Director, while two of the film’s primary cast members also earned nominations. Lily Gladstone was recognized for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Robert De Niro received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Lily Gladstone’s achievement at the Golden Globe Awards as the first Indigenous actress to win Best Actress in a Motion Picture has been noteworthy. Her nomination at the Academy Awards further solidifies her position as the first Native actress to earn such recognition.

She is also nominated for two awards by the Screen Actors Guild for her role in the film, including: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture.

Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People),” crafted by Oklahomans especially for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” secured a nomination for Best Original Song. Composer Scott George’s contribution marks the first time a Native American has been nominated in this category. The song was performed by Osage Tribal Singers. Additionally, the film garnered nominations for film editing, cinematography, production design, costume design, and original score.

The winners will be revealed on March 10 during the 96th Academy Awards ceremony hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. You can view a full list of nominees here. “Killers of the Flower Moon” is streaming now on Apple TV+.

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